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27 November, 2012

I am....

'I am' is the most powerful phrase in the
English language, for what follows opens us up to others, and spills our
metaphorical guts to them. The adjectives that we put after that
two-word phrase are then subject to intense scrutiny by those reading or
listening. Even ideas left unsaid that exist only in the intonation,
the verbiage or the facial construction at the time of speaking are
transmitted to others, as 'I am happy,' said
with a smile is worlds apart from 'I am incredibly happy,' or even 'I
am happy,' said with a frown or a grimace. Intonation can be rather
important to getting your message apart. If you use an intonation that
is ironic, you send a message that is the polar opposite of being
genuine.

The unfortunate side-effect of using the phrase 'I am'
is that it puts us in boxes. 'I am an artist' implies that I do things
all artists do, or that I like things all artists like. 'I am of French
descent,' brings all the stereotypes to mind: I surrender easily, eat
snails (Ew.) and don't shower. Care must be used in all instances of
adjective, but particularly this one, for to say something false is
anathema to the idea of becoming close to those around us, and that's
what life is all about, isn't it? Making connections to enrich our own
experiences so that we may partake in everything that is available to
us. That's what keeps me going, anyway.

Similar dangerous phrases include 'I believe,' and 'I think.' Those both precede wholly personal ideas.

Finally, in that spirit of making connections, I'd like to say that I
am happy to know you. Whether you know it or not, knowing you has helped
me evolve into who I am today, and I am thankful for your input into
this person I am. He's pretty cool, if I say so myself.